Ahead of The GRAMMYS this weekend, where the band have been nominated for Best Alternative Album, The National have announced a string of North American tour dates set to take place in April 2014, whilst they'll also headline the inaugural BBC Radio 6 Music Festival on 1st March.

Set to take place in Manchester's Victoria Warehouse on February 28th-March 1st, the band will perform on the second day of the festival, with tickets available to buy here. Furthermore, the band have announced a contest around forthcoming single 'I Need My Girl'. Beginning on 1st February, fans of The National have a chance to be featured by the band by submitting videos of a cover of the band’s latest single, 'I Need My Girl'. Via this entry page, fans can submit videos of themselves covering the track to be featured on The National's website:

1 )Each day between 1st and 14th February, a new fan video will be featured on americanmary.com. 2) On February 14th, Valentine's Day, a winner from all of the submissions will be selected.3) That winner will receive a $500 AMEX gift certificate (i.e. take your loved one out for dinner).

As well as their performance in Manchester, further North American live dates have also been announced: